Shang Dynasty China · World History

Which of the following describes the 'piece-mold' casting technique unique to Shang bronze work?

  1. Hammering cold sheets of metal into desired shapes by hand
  2. Building a clay model, then forming a ceramic mold in sections around it
  3. Carving decorative shapes directly into solid blocks of stone
  4. Spinning molten metal at high speed in a centrifugal casting device
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Correct answer: Building a clay model, then forming a ceramic mold in sections around it

Unlike the 'lost-wax' method used in the West, Shang artisans created a clay model, made a clay mold in several pieces from it, and then poured molten bronze into the assembled mold. This allowed for incredibly intricate surface decorations.

Difficulty: Medium Question 7 of 20

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